Blackburn: CCTV images of robbery suspects released

POLICE hunting a gang of armed raiders who left a terrified woman tied up in her own home have released CCTV stills of potential suspects.

APPEAL: Detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify the suspects in these newly-released CCTV images

The gang used a stun gun and a handgun to threaten a lone 39-year-old woman in Goodshaw Avenue, Pleckgate, Blackburn, on the morning of Friday, June 24.

One suspect, who police said was in traditional Asian dress, may have been pictured as he ran from the scene, according to officers.

The men claimed to be collecting for a local mosque, but forced their way in and stole a large amount of cash and jewellery.

The victim, a married mother-of-three, was bound and gagged.

Detective Inspector Mark Winst-anley, of Blackburn CID, said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the lady and it is important that we catch these men as soon as possible.

“The incident has had a profound effect on her and she is still strugg-ling to come to terms with what has happened to her. I would urge people to look at these pictures and contact police with any information that may help to identify those resp-onsible.”

The men spoke in Punjabi throughout the incident.

The first man in traditional Asian dress, with a white Muslim cap, was taller, with short dark hair and a trimmed short beard. The other two wore dark clothing and were both smaller, around 5ft 8ins tall, and were described as ‘rough looking’.

One had glasses and bushy eyebrows.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact police on 0845 1 253545, or Crimestoppers, anony-mously, on 0800 555 11.